Home to the original Santhal tribe, Godda is a district located in the Indian state of Jharkhand. Though it is home to a diverse set of people today, Godda was originally largely inhabited by the Santhal tribals, who were then pushed out after a historic rebellion. Nonetheless, their culture and history has left an indelible mark on the district.
The small town of Godda has managed to retain much of its original greenery, which is what gives it its tourist appeal. Every year during the monsoon, rivers are born here, and once the rains stop, the rivers dry up. Dotted with beautiful ancient temples, dams, an open mine, hilly areas and small forests, Godda is a pleasant holiday destination.
Known to be Asia’s largest open mine, Lalmatia in Godda, is a popular tourist attraction here. You can visit the site to observe firsthand how coal is extracted from the earth, using dynamite.
The Sundar Dam is another popular picnic spot in the region and also provides the infrastructure for one of the biggest irrigational projects of the region. The region boasts an abundance of wildlife and gorgeous waterfalls. The nearby forest reserve is perfect for nature lovers and the landscape is perfect for anyone looking to reconnect with nature.
Temples such as the Yogini Ma Mandir and the Ratneshwar Dham are another big tourist draw in the region. It is believed that a piece of Sati fell at the Yogini Ma Mandir, which is why it is highly revered. The nearby cave is also a must-visit. The Ratneshwar Dham is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and has a number of smaller temples surrounding it.
While local buses do connect most parts of Godda, to be able to truly do justice to this town, it is best to hire a private taxi or vehicle to explore every part of the district at your own pace.
By road Godda is surrounded by Banka, Bhagalpur, Sahibganj which are 19.43 km, 32.63 km, 38.77 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.